Thursdays in City Park Now through November

“Thursdays at Twilight” Concert Series
July through November 2014 Schedule of Twilight concerts at
the New Orleans Botanical Garden in New Orleans City Park

What: Join music lovers at City Park to hear some of New Orleans’ favorite performers during the “Thursdays at Twilight” concert series. Bring your friends to enjoy this very popular series with an array of musicians and mint juleps indoors at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters. This series is sponsored by the Louis and Virginia Clemente Foundation and Peoples Health with support from WWNO 89.9 FM.

Admission is $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 5-12 years old. Mint juleps, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and food are available for purchase. No outside food, drink, or pets allowed.

Advance tickets are available online at http://www.neworleanscitypark.com. Advance tickets can also be purchased over the phone at 504-483-9488 or at the Botanical Garden Gift Shop.

July 3 – Rocky’s Hot Fox Trot Orchestra
Celebrate the traditions of our New Orleans swing era with an energetic, upbeat concert for the 4th of July. The program will include hits from the era of the WWII “greatest generation,” popular modern tunes, and patriotic tributes.

July 10 – Banu Gibson
A superior and swinging jazz singer, Banu is one of the few vocalists of her generation to maintain exclusive loyalty to songs of the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s. A powerful force on stage, her enthusiasm and showmanship are highlighted by her wide range and versatility. For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.banugibson.com.

July 17 – Bobby Cure and The Poppa Stoppas
Join us for a rocking good evening as we travel back in time with Bobby Cure to the Doo-Wop days of the 1950’s when the Moon was Blue, and the question of the day was, Why Do Fools Fall In Love? For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.bobbycure.com.

July 24 – Paul Sanchez
Native New Orleanian Paul Sanchez was born in the blue-collar Irish Channel across the street from the Mississippi River. Today Paul defies categories and is noted as an actor, songwriter, singer, producer, writer and musician, with 11 solo CDs under his belt. In January of 2010 Off Beat Magazine awarded him three Best of the Beat Awards: Songwriter of The Year, Best Song of the Year, Best Folk/Rock Album for “Stew Called New Orleans”, his duet record with friend and collaborator John Boutté. For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.paulsanchez.com.

July 31- Ole Man River Band
Sherman Bernard, Recipient of OffBeat Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award, leads this group of exceptional New Orleans musicians. They will perform an assortment of 1950’s, 60’s Rhythm and Blues and Rock and Roll. Nothing but New Orleans fun.

August 7 – Alex McMurry
Alex is among the best songwriters in New Orleans, a man who over the past two decades has written songs that mark our lives, deaths, loves, hates, hangovers, and what comes before and after those excesses. This will be Alex’s first solo appearance at our Twilight Series, one you should not miss. For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.alexmcmurry.com.

August 14 – Phil Melancon
Phil performs the musical spirit and style of his hometown, New Orleans. Ask anyone on the music scene in the city and Phil’s name will be known for he performs at a smorgasbord of venues with many of the top musicians in the area.

August 21 – Gal Holiday and The Honky Tonk Revue
The Honky Tonk Revue plays vintage Honky Tonk, Rockabilly and Classic Country music with a heavy dose of Western Swing. They have a deep-seated love and appreciation for the tried and true Honky Tonk sound. For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.galholiday.com.

August 28 – Bon Operatit
Consists of New Orleans opera singers Lauren Mouney Gisclair, Jesse Nolan, and Mary Penick Akin. From La Boheme to Phantom of the Opera, they perform a perfect pairing of opera and musical theatre hits that are sure to invigorate the senses. For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.bonoperatit.com.

September 4 – Lena Prima
To some performers, having a legendary father might be daunting. Not for Lena Prima. Born in show business and raised on the road with her famous dad, the singer/songwriter/artist has earned her own reputation around the country for her energetic charismatic performances. She will perform songs of her father as well as some of her original tunes. For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.lenaprimamusic.com.

September 11 – Luke Winslow King
Luke Winslow-King, is a guitarist, singer, composer, and lyricist known for his slide guitar work, and interest in pre-war blues and traditional jazz. Winslow-King’s work consists of an eclectic mix, taking in delta-folk music, classical composition, ragtime, and rock and roll; juxtaposing original songs with those from a bygone era. For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.lukewinslowking.net.

September 18 – John Autin
Pianist, vocalist, songwriter, John is one of New Orleans’ musical treasures. John has played and recorded with many of New Orleans great artist including Irma Thomas, Snooks Eaglin, Ernie K Doe and Anders Osborne to name a few. For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.johnautin.com.

September 25 – Tanya and Dorise
Usually seen performing on the streets in the French Quarter, violinist Tanya and guitarist Dorise bring their musical talents indoors for our concert series. Music is what brought Tanya from Taiwan, and Dorise from Connecticut to New Orleans. Tanya and Dorise will perform a variety of music, including jazz, blues, rock, and soul. Don’t miss this concert. It will be fun. For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.tanyandorise.com.

October 2 – Little Freddie King
The cousin of Lightnin’ Hopkins, King learned guitar from his father, but in 1954 moved to New Orleans at the age of 14. He played in many juke joints with his friends Babe Stovall, Slim Harpo, and Champion Jack Dupree, playing both acoustic and electric guitar. He recorded the first electric blues album in New Orleans with Harmonica Williams in 1969. In 1976, King undertook a European tour alongside Bo Diddley and John Lee Hooker. He is a member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Three times selected Blues Performer of the Year in New Orleans.

October 9 – John Rankin
John is a master of finger style guitar, applying it to an eclectic array of genres: classical, jazz, folk, blues, and classic New Orleans music. John will be performing with Don Vappie, Paul Soniat, and world renowned French accordionist Norbert Slama. He is also a songwriter with many witty and thoughtful songs in his large and frequently changing repertoire. For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.johnrankin.net.

October 16 – Julio and Cesar
Originally from Guatemala, Julio and Cesar Herrera have been in New Orleans for over 30 years. They describe their music as constantly evolving, attributing this in part to their exposure from an early age to many cultures. For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.julioandcesar.com.

October 23 – Christina Perez
Cristina, in addition to performing with her band, has contributed her vocals to other local groups and is featured on Offbeat Magazine’s “Best Traditional Jazz Album of 2011” (New Orleans Moonshiners, “Frenchmen Street Parade”). Perez is excited to finally release her first album of completely original material entitled, “The Sweetest Thing”. She also has received rave reviews for her leading role in, Jump, Jive, and Wail, the music of Louis Prima. For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.cristinaperezmusic.com.

October 30 – Cullen Landry and the Midnight Streetcar
Join The Halloween R & B party with Cullen Landry. Cullen was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 1998. In his career he has shared the bandstand with Bobby Mitchell, Eddie Bo, Professor Longhair, Al “Carnival Time” Johnson and many others. His goal is to preserve the New Orleans musical heritage encompassed by the ground-breaking New Orleans music of the 1950’s and 1960’s. For more information about the singer/band please visit www.midnightstreetcar.com.

CULLEN LANDRY AND THE MIDNIGHT STREETCAR BAND is a Faubourg St. John enterprise created to preserve New Orleans R&B music for all generations by performing it live. The band concentrates on music that was originally recorded at Cosimo Matasa’s studio at Rampart and Dumaine. The band is composed of Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Musicians. In our thirteenth year, we have performed at major , significant venues in our area including, The French Quarter Fest, Bayou Boogaloo, Harrahs, Treasure Chest Casino, The Silver Slipper Casino, Boomtown Casino, Endymion Carnation Balls, and many others. We just experienced our triumphant return to Germania Hall in Mid City, where we performed for a sell out crowd. As the founding Vice President of the FSJNA, I would consider it an honor to have our masters of New Orleans R&B perform for the Voodoo on the Bayou fund raiser this year. We look forward to an opportunity to further market our band to you. Please contact me at 504 388-1466 or Cullen_p_landry@yahoo.com. Thanks, Cullen

November 6 – The New Orleans Mystics
The Mystics are guaranteed to be entertaining, and always a sellout, so don’t miss this show featuring the music of Motown. Songs from the Temptations, O’Jays, Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding will all be part of this soulful tribute to some of the greatest music from the 1970’s.

November 13 – Debbie Davis and the Mesmerizers
Debbie Davis is a familiar face at our Thursday concerts having performed on numerous occasions with the Pfister Sisters. This will be her first performance here with her new band, The Mesmerizers, featuring the talents of Alex McMurray (guitar), Matt Perrine (sousaphone) Josh Paxton (piano) and Davis on vocals and ukulele. Offbeat magazine says, “Debbie Davis stands out in the crowd of vocalists like a bird-of-paradise in a roomful of parakeets”. For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.debbiedavismusic.com.

November 20 – Benny Grunch & The Bunch
You can’t say Benny, “Aint Dere No More,” because he will be right here in the garden performing his New Orleans hits as only Benny and the Bunch can do. Always entertaining, full of surprises and new songs, get ready for a Yat Attack with Benny Grunch and the Bunch. For more information about the singer/band please visit http://www.bennygrunch.com.

About City Park:
City Park: is distinguished by its large menu of sports and recreational activities, attractions for children, and its natural beauty. City Park has a special place in the hearts of generations of New Orleanians and is a must visit for visitors to the city. As a popular place to picnic, play a favorite sport, wander through its gardens or take a boat ride- the park receives millions of visitors each year. It is located in the heart of the city and is the largest recreation area for the entire metropolitan area. Attractions include: New Orleans Botanical Garden, Storyland fairytale playground, the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and numerous athletic venues. The 1,300 acres of parkland provide enjoyment for young children playing on our playgrounds and walkers, joggers, and bicyclists winding through the park’s streets and trails.